Crewe Modernisation... North Box

In this shot, the top of the North Box (which forms part of the Crewe Heritage Centre) can be seen with ballast which seems almost as white as snow immediately following the remodelling... The Crewe Arms and Station are further south. Taken from "All Change at Crewe" published in 1985 to tell the ongoing story of further changes at the the historic rail junction of Crewe.

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

Exeter West Box - Publications

There are a couple publications concerning the Exeter West Box now at Crewe; the short visitors' guide was produced by the dedicated Exeter West Group in 1993.

A more extensive work by the Group and Adrian Vaughan was published in 1984 before the box was removed to Crewe. The front cover shows 4-6-0 No. 6848 Toddington Grange passing the box on 19th July 1958, working the 4.15pm Paignton - Paddington.

The rear cover shot (below) gives a good idea of the box's original setting west of Exeter St David's, with the line to Exeter central curving back to the upper left of the shot. The train is W R Cross - Country DMU entering St David's from the west on 2nd July 1963.

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

Crewe Modernisation...

Do you remember this logo? Crewe Modernisation - renewing of the track and signals in 1984 and 1985 was meant to prepare the station for its role in the 21st Century. Now we're here, it seems the whole station needs revising to be able to serve all the requirements of its life today. One wonders where the debate over whether or not to move the station will lead.

The press has mentioned the existing station, or some of it being given over to a heritage centre... would that work? Would it be a good idea? At first glance it seems it; but if we ever receive a clear decision, all the implications will need careful considerations. Wouldn't it be great to bring the history of railways home to Crewe and end up with a world class railway and industrial heritage attraction? What do you think?

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

Class 87 Locomotive

This locomotive was kindly donated to us by Porterbrook Leasing Company, who leased all the rolling stock and locomotives to the train operating company "Virgin trains", prior to their Pendolino services being introduced.

The class 87 electric locomotive has an output power of 5000 hp. It operates by collecting the current from the overhead catenary supplied at 25000 volts; unfortunately we are not able to have this luxury at the Centre. However all the circuits and equipment which are operated from the onboard battery supply are operational.

The air braking system is also operational when air is fed in the locomotive’s main air reservoir from an external supply. The locomotive is currently undergoing internal and external restoration work, further updates will be added as progress continues.

Many thanks to GL for the write up and picture.

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

Crewe Station A Cabin

Moved to the Heritage Centre in 1987, this box was taken out of service in 1985. Image credit SC.

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

Saturday 12th July 2008

National Model Railroad Association Day

Brake Van, Bentley, and APT

A weekend of bursts of sunshine and vicious showers which kept the visitors in the exhibition hall, where they could see the new display on car production in Crewe erected by Bentley.

On Saturday a brake van (needing minimal restoration) arrived by road from Daventry. This will eventually be used to give on site rides.

Meanwhile work is being concentrated on the APT with several volunteers now working on the body work, roof, flooring and electrics.

Volunteers are needed for general site duties such as stewarding and manning the shop – call in and see us if you can help to do your bit for Crewe’s heritage.

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd June 2008

Royal Mail Weekend coming up, including:

• RESTORED VINTAGE TRAVELLING POST OFFICE COACH
• FULL SIZE ROYAL MAIL TRUCKS ON DISPLAY
• CHILDREN’S RIDES & RIDES ON MINIATURE RAILWAY
• STEAM AND DIESEL LOCOMOTIVES TO SEE
• MINIATURE MODELS & MODEL RAILWAY DISPLAYS

AND LOTS MORE ……

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

Sunday 15th June 2008

Sunday June 15th saw the annual reunion of North Shed drivers, which was enjoyed by all despite the huge disapointment of the Duchess of Sutherland not being on site as had been anticipated.  All credit to Chairman Rory for the organisation. Because the drivers did not have the privilege of seeing the Duchess, Rory is arranging for a repeat event on August 2nd when there should be a particularly good turn out including Oliver Cromwell.Credit SC for info.


Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

Gas Turbine Locomotive

This is the Gas-Turbine loco 18000 produced by Brown-Boveri in 1950, withdrawn 1960. It is expected to leave the Heritage Centre this week for eventual restoration. Image and information credit to SC.

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

Weekend Visitor

This was a guest at the Heritage Centre last weekend. The steam loco was a 4-2-0 GWR Class, 1447 loco number, it was out in steam all day Sunday and did really well. It should be next down on the Royal Mail weekend and the miniature railway gala. Credit to SC for the picture, and CB for the loco information.

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

Celebrity Visits

Crewe Guardian May 29th 2008, page 4 - *click image for larger version*

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

Springfield Charity Event Coverage

*Click image for larger version*

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

Charity Event

Duchess of Sutherland

The Duchess of Sutherland from the viewing room in North Signal Box. Photo courtesy of and copyright SC.

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

Buses

Crewe Heritage Centre is base for a number of iconic Routemaster Buses, as well as Bus Rallies from time to time.

The Exhibition Hall

Details coming

The Crewe Eagles

The Heritage Centre is home to two of the four Crewe Eagles, and gives the name to the "Friends Of" newsletter, "Eagle".

The Miniature Railway

The Miniature Railway is a very popular attraction, with its own team of specialist volunteers; a dedicated website is in the links menu to the right.

Join "Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre"

Each image can be clicked on for larger size; membership form click on, then right click, save and print to send by post. Other contact details available on the right hand side.

Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th June 2008

Signalling Weekend and National Model Railroad Association Day

Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th July 2008

Signalling Weekend

Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th September 2008

Miniature Railway Gala

Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th October 2008

Event TBC
National Model Railroad Association Weekend

Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th November

Signalling Records Society and Remembrance Weekend

Contact

E-mail Centre Manager
Telephone Crewe Heritage Centre on 01270 212130

Sections of Crewe Heritage Centre:

E-mail Miniature Railway mobile 07837 387 060

E-mail Exeter West Group

Admission

2010 Open Season Prices TBC

2009 Admission was:
Day Tickets
Adults £5
Children £2
Seniors £2
Family £10
Ticket includes one free return on the Miniature Railway

Season Tickets
Adults £20
Family £40

Note for those travelling by train and
holding a Valid Rail Ticket on the
Manchester - Crewe and
Derby - Crewe Lines
Buy One - Get One Free on Admission

Opening Times

Saturdays, Sundays & Bank Holidays 10am to 4.30pm (Last Admission 3.30pm) until the end of September 2008. Other times and dates by negotiation with the Heritage Centre manager.

Exeter West Box

This box has been completely rebuilt, by the Exeter West Group, exactly as it was in 1960. The equipment has been made to work, so that it is possible to simulate the operation as it was in the final years of Western Region steam.

Crewe North Junction Box

The box has been rewired to enable demonstrations to be given illustrating the main aspects of signalling.